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SALVINI. 


THE  GLADIATOR 


THE 


CHICKERING 

PIANO. 

One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eight  First  Medals 
OVER  ALL  COMPETITION 

Have    been   awarded   for   the    Superiority   of  the 
Chickering  Piano. 

• 

EB  AM. 

,.-!.])  MKPAI 

I     ! 

at     thr 
illy, 

CHICKERING  &  SONS. 


THE  GLADIATOR: 

A   TRAGEDY   IN   FIVE    ACTS, 

v? 

BY    A.    SATJMET, 
AS    PERFORMED    BY 

SIGNOR  SALVINI 

AND  HIS  AMERICAN  COMPANY, 


UNDER  TIIK  MANAGKMIvNT  OF 


C.  A.  CHIZZOLA. 


NEW  YORK : 

J.  J.  LITTLE   &   CO.,    PRINTERS, 
Nos.  10  TO  20  ASTOR  PLACE. 


DRAMATIS 


THE  GLADIATOR 

ORIGEN. 

FLAVIAN. 

PRIEST  OF  JUNO. 

OCTAVIUS. 

LUCIUS. 

A  TRIBUNE. 

A  NEOPHYTE. 

FAUSTINA. 

KEODAMIA 


gtacK 
A 


THE  GLADIATOR. 


THB  motive  of  this  play  is  the  tyranny  of  the  wealthier  and  partricisn  classes  of 
old  Rome;  the  grinding  oppression  under  which  the  humbler  citizens  lived  ;  licen- 
tiousness, superstition  and  cruelty  which  characterized  the  whole  people,  and  the 
general  atmosphere  of  hate  and  revenge  that  pervaded  society.  The  Christiana  are 
introduced  to  heighten  the  picture,  and  a  young  Christian  convert  IB  the  victim  of 
the  play. 

The  GLADIATOR  is  a  slave,  whose  wife  has  been  atrociously  murdered  by  the 
Empress  mother,  FAUSTINA.  lie  escapes  with  his  infant  daughter.  The  child  Js  lost. 
He  returns  to  Rome  and  visits  OIUGEX,  a  Christian,  who  lives  in  the  Catacombs. 
To  him  he  tells  the  history  of  his  wrongs  and  announces  an  in  tended  revolt  of  slaves. 
The  Empress,  with  a  guard  ofLictors,  comes  to  the  Catacombs  in  search  of  NKODAMIA, 
a  beautiful  girl  beloved  by  FLAVIAN,  to  whom  the  Empress  is  heiself  passionately 
attached.  She  misses  NF.ODAMIA,  but  meets  the  GLADIATOK.  A  recognition  takes 
place.  The  lost  danirliter's  life  is  bound  up  by  an  oracle  with  that  of  the  young 
Kmperor.  The  Empress,  who  has  the  tmitern;il  devotion  of  a  tigress  to  its  cubs, 
promises  reward  to  the  GLADIATOR  if  ho  can  find  his  child.  Meanwhile  she  orders 
him  to  accompany  her  to  FLAVIAN'S  palace,  where  NKODAMIA  resides.  She  orders 
the  GLAUIATOU  to  murder  the  girl,  which  he  refuses  to  do. 

By  FAUSTINA'S  machinations  the  marriage  of  FLAVIAN  and  NEODAMIA  is  inter- 
rupted. ORIOEX,  the  Christian,  is  arrested  at  the  temple  of  Juno,  and  NEODAMIA,  in 
a  fit  of  enthusiasm,  proclaims  her  own  Christianity.  Both  are  thrown  into  prison, 
and  sentenced  to  death  in  the  Arena.  The  GLADIATOR,  who  has  been  held  as  a  run- 
away sbive,  is  appointed  executioner  of  .NKODAMIA.  In  the  Arenp  he  recognizes  her 
as  bis  lost  child.  He  vainly  appeals  to  the  people's  mercy.  FAU&TIXA,  horrified  at 
her  son's  danger,  involved  in  tho  girl's  approaching  death,  adjourns  the  games,  anil 
determines  to  rescue  NEODAMIA,  and  thereby  to  ward  off  peril  from  her  son.  NEO- 
HAM  i  A  and  the  GLADIATOK  are  on  the  point  of  making  their  escape  under  FAUSTINA'S 
protection,  when  a  not  takes  place  ;  the  Imperial  palace  is  sacked,  the  Emperor  la 
slain,  and  the  people,  under  the  guidance  of  the  fanatic  Priest  of  Juno,  burst  into 
the  prison  cells  of  the  Amphitheatre.  At  this  supreme  moment,  to  save  his  daughter 
from  outrage,  the  GLADIATOK  kills  her  with  his  own  hand. 

Thus  the  iniquities  of  the  rulers  recoil  on  themselves ;  and  the  martyrdom  of 
NEODAMIA  gives  occasion  for  the  conversion  of  her  father  acd  Jovor,  and  for  tb& 
prophetic  denunciation  of  slavery  at  a  curse  •  r/>;  the  nations,  to  be  w  iped  out  in  the 
t'nUuesa  of  time. 


ACT   I. 

SCENE  I. 
The  Catacombs  of  Rome.— A  table  of  stone  with  a  large  open  book  and  a 

skull. 
ORIOEN. 

OKI.  O,  Catacombs  !  O,  temple  !  sole  asylum 

Wherein  can  freely  breathe, 
Man,  oppressed  by  the  cruel  yoke  of  Rome— 
That  Rome  which  grows  old  in  bitter 
Strife  and  discord  ;  whose  spirit, 
That  once  kept  whole  the  people,  now  from 
Her  worn  out  body  dies  awuy.     0,  Catacombs  I 
Be  your  gloom  redoubled,  the  fight 
Begins — the  future  of  the  world 
Is  concentrated  in  one  thought,  nor  doubtful 
Is  the  victory.     Tyrants  and  slaves  ! 
At  the  great  man's  foot  a  people  laden 
With  funereal  clothes  and  chains  ; 
Groans,  madness,  misery  ;  and  of  three  thousand 
Gods,  not  a  single  one  for  the  crisis  ! 
Behold  thy  world,  O  Rome  1  behold  thy  heaven ! 
But  our  god  has  risen,  and  sheds  the  ray 
Of  his  light  upon  his  human  family. 
He  whom  the  entombed  spirit  makes  alive 
With  its  breath,  for  our  eyes  can  make  a  sun 
And  freedom  for  the  soul.     Yes  I  Christ 
Our  brother, — Christ  who  was  born 
On  straw,  in  a  manger,  sprung 
From  the  common  people — but  not  therefore  less 
Son  to  the  Omnipotent.     In  His  name 
We  have  fought  against  a  century  of  blows. 
The  prisons  are  with  martyrs  filled, 
The  greedy  axe  gets  blunt,  in  vain 
Redoubling  its  strokes.     Alas  1  we  die 
On  all  sides.     O,  heaven,  when  shall  be  erased 
From  the  world's  face  the  scandal, 
"  That  man — can  be  man's  master?" 
When  ?    Perchance  now,  perchance  in  a  thousand  /eara 
The  sacred  tree  whose  genial  foliage 


2045341 


\ 


Soothrs  every  pain,  will  not  perhapa 
For  long  ages  Lave  spread  oui 
All  its  branches  ;  but  finally  in  its 
Favoring  shelter  shall  rise  matured 
The  liberty  of  the  world. 


SCENE  IL 
NEOPHYTE  and  ORIGEN. 

NEO  Borne  slaves 

Are  seeking  you, 

OKI.  I  am  their  protector. 

N  BO.          Their  guide  is  that  Gladiator,  of  whose 
Victories  all  Rome  used  to  talk  ; 
lie  ha*  not  here  been  seen  these  fifteen  yearn. 

ORL  I  will  move 

Towards  them.     Wretched  slaves.     They  shall 

Ever  have  a  brother  in  Origen— to  them 

I  will  speak.     The  unknown  lady 

Introduce  meanwhile.     Some  secret 

To  be  revealed,  has  brought  her,  as  she  comes 

Into  our  hiding-place,  [Exit  N«o 


SCENE  III. 
Enter  NEODAMIA  and  NEOPDTTB. 

NEOD.         My  heart  trembles. 

ORL  You  are  in  grief,  daughter.     Wherefore?    The  cry 

Of  sorrow  reaches  to  us,  weak  though  we  be. 
NEOD.         And  do  you  console? 
OKI.  Our  God 

D<»th  sometimes  vouchsafe  his  healing  words  by  ua 
NttOD.        Oue  of  your  sinters  seeks 

To  throw  herself  at  your  feet. 
ORL  Well, 

What  uhall  prevent  her? 
NEOD.        Fear, 

And — ah,  pardon,  lord — perhaps  remorae 

Al  her  new  found  joy— 


OKI.  She  is— 

N  KOD.        A  Christian  ! 

OKI.  Give  me  then,  yourself  the  confession 

Of  that  trembling  soul  ;  and  I 

Will  hear  it. 
NEOD.         You  divine,  oh  father, 

Her  request!     A  slave  by  birth,  unknown 

Her  country  or  kindred,  wherever  she 

May  turn  her  feet,  she  must  always  have  been 

A  stranger  and  an  orphan,  if  Christ 

Had  not  received  her  into  His  family, 

Into  His  divine  mansion. 
OKI.  Proceed. 

NBOD.         Until  to-day,  her  heart  was  free  and  pure 

Of  other  loves  ;  but  a  Roman  youth, 

Who  yet  eternally  separated  from  her, 

Appears  by  rank  in  life  ;  a 

Proud  and  tender  look  has  turned  upon  the  face 

Of  that  young  girl. 
ORI.  (Agitated.)    And  how? 

NEOD.        (Earnestly.)    All  in  honor, 

Not  in  insult ;  respective  fully 

Of  her  jealous  dignity.     Master 

Of  that  slave,  he  seeks  to  marry  her ; 

But a  Christian He  is  not. 

OKI.  Knows  he  of  what  faith 

His  slave  is  ? 

NEOD.         He  alone  in  Rome — 
ORI.  A  iid  she, 

In  her  new  ties,  will  she  to  our  worship 

Hold  faithful  1 

NEOD.        (Eagerlg.)    Always  !  always  1 
OKI.  Your  looks  assure  me  of  it  ; 

Then  take  her  back  this  word 

From  a  priest  of  the  Lord  : 

She  may,  without  any  peril 

Accept  her  good  fortune.     Ever  a  present  help 

Is  our  religion  ;  severe  she 

Sometimes  may  be,  inexorable  never. 

Qod  is  not  angry  at  our  honest  loves. 

Daughter,  go  in  peace. 
NEOD.        il>,  the  ineffable  thought  1 

Flavian,  to  be  happy — 

And  without  sin  !}  [Exit 


SCENE  IV 
GLADIATOR  and  Slave* 

ORI.  to  NEOPII.  Admit  the  slaves. 

Gl^L  (Looking  around.)     IB  this  your  palace?— So   much    the 

better  ! 

Here  no  pomp  offends  the  light 

Of  our  eyes.     My  friends,  remain 

In  these  sepulchral  caves.     My  heart 

Is  full  already  of  your  grievances — 

For  all  1  speak  alone.     By  the  gods  I 

Never  have  I  felt  so  great  a  need 

Of  pouring  out  my  wrath  1 
ORI.  Be  calm  I 

GLA.  If  I  lie,  may  the  gods  overwhelm  me — 

See  here — these  senses  of  mine  at  a  mere  wink, 

Fly  up  in  fla  i  es.     So  often 

Have  I  fought  the  lions,  that  their  roar 

Has  got  into  my  voice.     Excuse  me, 

Master,  excuse  uie.     My  name 

May  be  known  to  you.     I  am  N:ger  ; 

I  was  born  in  Thrace  ;  but  greater  and  finer  fax 

IB  my  slave  name  ;  in  Rome  1  am 

The  Gladiator. 
ORI.  Among  us  you  will  bear 

A  name  that  I  prefer  to  any, 

And  most  sacred  before  God, 
GLA.  What  is  that? 

ORL  Brother. 

GLA,  The  Christians  call  us  brothers? 

Then  are  all  the  Christians  slaves  like  unT 
ORI.  No,  brother  ;  those  fettera  which  pride 

And  cruelty  invented,  fell  to  pieces 

At  the  cry  of  the  divine  victim. 

Man  the  slave  of  man  ?  oh,  heaven,  what 

Monstrous  compact  1     To  God  himself 

Man  ia  not  a  slave.     God,  who  keeps  the  balance 

Of  the  world  Il«  made,  permits  evil, 

So  that  man  may  be  free.     So  gloriou* 

In  His  eyes  is  that  great  boon 

Of  liberty,  that  by  it  alone 

Our  souls  draw  nigh  to  God. 
OI.A  Ha  1  this  IB  talking  !    Grand!  1  Hk« 

Thy  doctrine— I  love  it,  and  I  feel  mv  breaat 


Expand,  and  all  my  vitals 

Drink  in  air  by  torrents  I     Thanks,  father, 

For  thy  kindness.     1  will  pay  it  back — 

Yes,  yes  !  brother.     My  return  to  Rome 

Is  not  yet  known  ;  I  am  not  wont 

To  stave  off  danger — I  have  staunch  friendj 

Just  now  to  serve  ;  all  have  sworn 

To  be  revenged  for  outrage  suffered. 

We  will  all  1  iy  down  our  chains  together, 

Upon  the  tomb  of  Rome.     All  equals, 

All  oppressed,  we  offer  our  heads 

To  the  ed«>-e  of  the  sword.     You  don't  know 

What  it  is,  to  be  obliged  to  cut  throats  every  day  ; 

What  it  is  to  swim  in  your  own  blood, 

When  they  please  to  see  it ;  or  like  us, 

To  amuse  the  Arena  with  our  dying  breath. 

The  edict  is  gone  forth. 

OKI.  I  know  it  all. 

OLA.  Help  us  with  your  hate.     Aid  the  plot 

With  your  counsel — your  great  name,  and  the  ana 
Of  your  Christians  will  be  a  help  to  us. 
We  are  ready — all  ready. 

Oni.  Other  arms 

Are  ours  ;  which  make  a  surer  triumph 
To  the  soul. 

OLA.  What  are  they  t 

OKI-  Prayer  and  supplication  I 

GLA.  Don't  know  them  !    To  avenge  our  long  tried 

Grievances,  there  is  not  blood  enough  ; 
And  thou  offerest  tears  ? 

OBL  As  if  there  were  need 

Of  blood  ;  you,  by  the  brazen  foot 
Downtrodden,  look  upon  the  blood 
Of  God,  which  drops  from  the  Cross. 

GLA.  Let  Him 

Fulfil  our  vengeance,  and  I  will  worship  Him. 

OKI.  Brother  1  who  worships  this,  our  God, 

Forgoes  all  vengeance. 

OLA.                                  What  say  you  ?— Our 
Horrible  torments 

OR*-  And  what  are  they  to  men 

Who  look  upon  them  with  calm  aspect  ? 

GLA.  Ah  !  but  thou  hast  not  understood  me,  pneex 

I  am  a  slave,  without  a  home, 


10 

A  family,  or  country  ;  humbled, 

Proscribed,  vagabond  ;  my  life  worse  than  a  dog^ 

Tied  by  a  chain,  which  in  some  remote 

Corner  can  bite  the  groom 

That  lashes  him,  and  vainly 

Growling,  can  work  off  his  rage.     The  brand 

Of  infamy  ia  stamped  upon  my  brow, 

Not  on  my  arms  or  feet,  but  here  upon  the  brow, 

Bo  that  the  master's  mark  in  the  eyes 

Of  all  the  world  may  do  dishonor  to 

The  human  being  all  it  can.     Oh,  what 

Store  of  hate  is  hidden  in  this  breast, 

What  cries,  what  pants  for  vengeance  I 

My  fate,  the  Amphitheatre,  and  Rome 

I  curse  eternally,  and  insulting, 

Spurn  this  stepmother  earth, 

That  brings  forth  chains  for  me  !     I  insult 

And  curse  that  sun,  which  o'er  all  the  world 

Sends  forth  his  light,  making  more  grievous 

The  air  of  bondage.     To  our  gods, 

Tyrants  that  I  never  see, 

I  offer  defiance  as  to  a  fight  impossible ; 

I  a  dull  athlethe  ;  and  vainly  on  the  air 

I  waste  the  treasuies  <,t  my  fury. 

Revenge  misleads  me,  sweat  runs  down,  my  armc 

I  open  wide  in  the  fier<  e  desire 

To  crush. . .  .the  universe. 

°»i.  What  sufferings 

You  must  have  had,  that  your  heart  gives  way 
To  such  a  fearful  wish. 

Shall  I  tell  you  ? 

Priest  of  Christ  you  wish  to  know? 
Listen— 'Tis  fifteen  years  ago 
Since  Faustina  was  my  mistress  ;  Faustina,  now 
Styled  Empress.     A  mother 
She  was  not  then  ;  but  to  be  mother 
Desired  in  heart :  whence  from  those 
Who  know  the  future,  continually 
She  mqi,,red,  surrounding  herbelf 
With  wizards  and  diviners  ;  and  to  the  gods 
Made  offerings  fitted  to  appease  the  furies. 
My  wife  about  that  time— a  fail 
Haired  Gaul  she  was— felt  the 


11 


Trembling  of  her  babe.     Ah  I  would  she  had 
Never  told  it— my  hopeful 
Pledge  of  warm  enduring  lovel 
But  with  envious  fury  Faustina  burned ; 
And  on  my  wife  she  looked  askance.     One  daj 
Whi!e  I  was  dreaming  of  a  happy  future, 
There  came  from  the  palace  depths  a  cry— 
A  wailing,  fearful  cry— too  well  the  voice 
To  me  was  known — I  trembling  run. 
Ha  !  what  horror !     Upon  a  bed  of  iron, 
Pale,  naked — my  companion  lay 
On  her  right  si  !e.     With  dagger  in  her  hand 
A  sorceress  was  saying,  "  Faustina,  you 
.     "  Might  be  a  mother,  but  because  the  infernale 
"  Have  the  power  obtained,  we  must  have 
"An  unborn  child,  from  its  mother's 
"W<.mb  untimely  taken. 
"This  child,  which  my  art  requires 
"For  its  philters,  part  of  its  life 
"To  your  son  shall  give.     Fate  to  both, 
"  Whether  they  be  divided  or  conjoined, 
•'  Will  equal  make  their  length  of  years." 
I,  with  a  groan  horribly  prolonged, 
Interrupted  the  monster.     But  the  wretch's 
Dagger  did  not  flinch — ' '  What  do  1  see  !  a  man  f " 
Faustina  cried—"  It  is  her  husband  I    Let  him 
"  Stand  opposite  and  be  spectator." 
With  iron  bonds  so  tightly  drawn 
That  they  drew  the  blood,  her  Nubian 
Cutthroats  bound  me  to  a  pillar, 
Which  in  my  struggles 
Fell  upon  my  head,  but  did  not  break 
My  chain  ;  and  then  I  saw  the  crime  completed — 
I  eaw  the  victim  quiver 
Beneath  the  knife.     There  was  one  long 
Mother's  shriek— the  last.     The  heavens  did 
Not  fall ;  they  did  not  fall,  and  dost  thou  talk  of  f>od ' 

OTII  And  your  child  ? 

ti  L\.  The  mother  was  no  more  : 

Faustina's  contempt  spared  the  father'* 
Life.     Night  came, 
And,  torch  in  hand,  I  made 
My  way  to  the  accursed  palace. 
I  gave  it  to  the  flames,  and  from  among  th    ruins, 


By  hidden  ways— with  the  child,  a  daughter, 

Afar  1  iled.     I  saved  her 

In  the  desert,  in  Egypt.     I  have  not  told 

Half  my  sufferings  ;  but  nothing. more 

Is  worth  the  tel.iug.— .Now  you  know  what  wo  &ro 

You  understand  the  mortal  injuries 

That  men  have  done  ine.     Is  it  just 

That  I  wish  to  exterminate  them  ?    Is  it 

Not  their  due? 

ORL  Un'ess  you  pardon  them, 

Mercy  is  heaven-created 
In  our  hearts.     Olympus  thundered — 
Calvary  pardons.     God  chose 
To  die  upon  the  cross,  whence  as  from  on  high, 
He  might  extend  his  arms  to  all  in  pity. 

OLA.  Pardon  them  !     I  pardon?    Madness. 

OKL  With  just  such  words  ever  commences 

The  work  of  faith. 


SCENE  V. 
NEOPHYTE  and 
NBO.          It  ia  time  to 

Part.     Lictors  I  hare  seen 

Who  violate  this  gloom  that  now  protects  UB. 

They  penetrate  the  tombs.     To  execute 

Some  fatal  order  they  are  surely  come. 

Tht-y  announce  the  Empress. 
GLA.  Yegoda! 

Faustina? 
OBI.  Come,  without  fear  follow  me  ! 

Many  are  the  secret  hiding  places,  known 

To  me  only.  (Exeunt  OH.,  NEO.  and  slane*.\ 

OLA,  I  remain.  (Hides  behind  a  pillar.} 


FAUSTINA,  ALBINO,  Llctor* 
FAU.  Then  'tis  truth 

You  tell  me.  Tribune.     My  eneiuy  I 

My  rival  came  ..... 
VLB.  Here. 


13 


pAO  But  Christian 

fs  not  Neodamia.     Are  you  not  mistaken  T 
A.LB.  H»  cannot  be  mistaken  who  has  given 

All  his  mind  to  serve  you.     But  by  favor 

Of  these  gloomy  labyrinths 

She  has  escaped  our  search. 

FAU.  Aud  >'ou 

Have  not  avenged  me  ?     In  your  hand 

My  sword  is  placed.     You  cannot  prevent 

This  marriage  that  offends  mo.    One  of  them 

Must  die.     Too  much,  Albino,  you  do  delay 

My  anger.     I  shall  before  long  become 

The  Empire's  byword.     My  wish 

Is  known  to  Rome.     My  rank,  my  name, 

I  have  forgot  for  Flavian.— I,  the  mother— 

I— mother  of  the  Caesar— they  make  sport 

Of  my  anger.     Do  not  the  fools  perceive 

In  my  tears,  their  death  ? 

In  their  insensate  love  they  tender  me 

A  poison  draught— shall  I  not  return  to  then 

The  bitter  cup  ?     We  have  hearers. 

AI.B.  N°— 

FAU. 

IB  not  that  a  man  there  ? 

* ,  „  Lictors,  seize  him. 


SCENE  VII. 


GLADIATOK  an 

3l  4  To  the  Empress  I  will  mywl* 

Advance.     (In  the  depths  of  my  heart, 
Oh  hate,  keep  still,  until  shall  come 
The  auspicious  moment.)     I  am,  I 

FAD.         I  know  you. 

UI,A.  Faustina,  guilt 

Keeps  memory  clear.     What  blood 
You  needed  to  write  my  history- 
Over  my  heart,  my  chains, 
My  whole  life,  it  has  overflowed.—  P 
Are  fifteen  years,  but  still  'tis  red. 

FAD  Slave,  to  heed  thy  anger  fits  me  not, 

Where  is  thy  daughter* 


14 


lii^  Wh«r«  ifl 

Her  mother?    What  hast  thou  done  with  hert 
FAD.  Away  ! 

Wl.at  wrong  was  done  ?    The  sorceresa 

Commanded  .-  I  obeyed. 
QUA.  Thou  obey  I    Faustina  ! 

t-AU.  Yes  :  it  was  cruel — 

GLA.  Indeed,  was  it  BO  ! 

FAO.  After  that  day 

All  went  ill  with  me.     You  may  be  glad, 

However,  that  in  my  heart  1  seem 

To  be  somewhat  sorry.     The  oracle 

Was  not  a  liar  :  1  am  a  mother. 

In  hia  three  lustres  my  boy  rejoices — 

But  his  father  poisoned,  aud  the  rebellion — 
Qu\  Have  as  1  am,  "twaa  not  in  vain,  then,  tha.1 

1  cursed  thee. 

FAD.  Enough  t 

OLA.  Uiveu  up 

By  men  to  anguish,  I  have  yet 

Some  power. 

FAU.  What  the  godd  give  thoe— 

QLA.  And  you  believe  in  the  gods  ;  and  ofier  them 

As  best  sacrifice. . . . 
FAO.  To-day  I  claim 

Thy  daughter.     Thou  art  hostage  for  her  ; 

Know  you  under  what  star  she  is  born? 

Know  you  th;it  Cifsar  has  out«  fate  with  her  1 

That  on  your  daughter  the  Gods  regards  are  frwnt, 

And  sister  to  the  Ctcsar 

They  assign  her. 
OLA.  Brotherhood  Divine ! 

Cwsar  lives,  she  lives  I     Meanwhile 

She's  lost  . .  .to  me  t 
FAU.  Lost  ? 

GLA.  Stolen.... 

FAU.  She  may  be  restored. 

WLA.  Daughter!     My  daughter  I 

Clasped  in  my  anus  1  took  her  away, 

Far  away  to  the  banks 

Of  Nile!  and  there  from  every  human  eye 

Concealed  I  kept  her.     She  slept 

Upou  my  bre»u>t  by  night,  and  at  the  dawn  we  uent 

To  earn  our  bread.     At  set  of  sun 


To  my  biessed  cavern  home  one  day 

I  caine — sought  everywhere — 

It  was  empty — she  was  carried  away  1 

Next  after  thee,  this  was  my  greatest  grief. — 
FAU.  And  was  there  no  trace  ? 

/LA.  Long  time 

I  held  Osiris'  priests  suspect ; 

They  have  the  rule  in  Egypt  ;  I  followed 

On  their  tracks  ;  but  finally, 

After  three  lustres  of  vain  fury, 

My  hands  have  fallen,  and  I  now  despair. 
FAU.  Thou  hast  not  sought  her  well.     Hear  me,  slave  I 

Dost  thou  not  fear  my  wrath, 

Thus  putting  at  guilty  risk  the  days 

Of  our  all  highest  Imperator? 
QLA.  What  matters 

Your  Imperator  in  my  love  ? 
FAD.  Be  mindful. 

Thou  hast  lost  her,  and  find  her  again  thou  canst, 

Beyond  all  doubt. 

QUL.  Oh  !  if  I  could  1 

FAD.  Well,  then, 

Go!  Recross  the  sea.     Take  what  gold 

Thou  wilt,  my  lictors.  and  four 

Of  my  galleys. — When  found,  how 

Wouldst  thou  recognize  her  ? 
QUL.  From  the  day 

She  first  saw  light,  she  has  a  mark  upon  her  sh.mlder. 

Yes,  that  verv  blade  that  took  the 

Mother'^  life- 
FAO.  Ha  t  I  remember 

When  I  checked  the  current  of  her  blood — 
Q  LA.  Thyself! 

FAU.  Enough,  enough  I     Something  too  much 

Of  thy  laments.     In  everlasting  hate 

We  should  each  other  abhor,  were  we  not  joined 

By  this  tie  of  offspring.     Thus, 

I  thy  child  restore.— Thy  arm, 

If  thou  succeed  shall  serve  Cajsar, 

And  thou  shalt  be  free. 
OLA.  Free ! 

FAU.  And  rich, 

And  great — in  Rome,  or  wherever  else  you  please. 
OLA.  Then  like  others  I  shall  become  a  man  I 


16 

PAU  Thou  shall  have  titles  and  property-— 

OLA.  And  slaves- - 

Their  bonds  to  loose  ? 
FAU.  And  now  drpart  1 

Go,  quick  !  on  duty.     Help 

From  Africa's  Pro-Consul  thou  shalt  have- 
Temples  and  palaces  carefully  explore. 

First,  however,  I  would  have  thy  service 

For  a  single  day. 

OLA.  So  suddenly — 

FAU.  I  will  have  thee  secretly  into  Flavian's 

Mansion  find  an  entrance.     The  garden 

*£eys  1  keep  myself.     Thou  canst  have 

Trusty  escort.     Destiny  has 

Brought  thee  hither  for  this  purpose  ; 

But  let  no  one  come  upon  thy  traces. 
OLA.  Make  use 

Of  my  blade  against  him.     1  have  long  time  sworn 

Hatred  and  death,  to  every  head 

That  rises  above  its  fellowa.     Dost  thou  seek 

Vengeance  on  Flavian? 
FAU.  No  ;  follow  me  1 

9lA-  1  lollow,  (Shegoetoff.) 

Expecting  from  heaven  the  happy  day, 

When  on  thy  own  guilty  head  I  shall  have. . .  .vengeance  I 


BIND  OF  ACT  i, 


.1? 


ACT    II, 

SCENE  I. 

on  the  Tiber.  Statues — Plants — Quests  on  couchs-i  of  bronze 
and  mother  of  pearl  inlaid  with  gold  and  tortoise  shell.  A  lapis  la- 
zuli table  trith  fruits  and  goblets.  Soys  bearing  alabaster  or  stiver 
jart  serve  the  guests. 

FLAVIAN,  OCTAVIUS,  Lucius. 
OCT.  May  the  gods  keep  thy  gardens 

Safe  from  Polar  winds  1    They  excel 

Agenor's  boasted  gardens,  by  the  shade 

They  give  us.     Bring  me  flowers  I 

How  I  like  flowers  !     Thou  shouldst  not  quite  despoil 

Thy  porphyry  vases  to-day 

Deiphyra,  for  us. 
FLA..  This  is  a  solemn  day  ; 

More  so  than  you  think.     I  summon  you 

As  witnesses,  my  dear  friends,  to  a  marriage 

That  will  change  my  life  for  ever. 
Luc.  Is  it  a  jest  1 

FLA.  It  is  no  jest. 

OCT.  What  woman  so  rash  that  dares 

To  press  thy  hand  ?    Aglae  ?    Many  a  time 

I  shall  join  the  train  of  her  thousand  lovers. 
Luc.  Stellft?    In  luxury  will  be  buried 

Thy  every  duty. 
OCT.  Really  I  beliere 

It  is  that  blond  girl,  Epicharis. 
Luc.  Thou'rt  wrong  ; 

'Tis  Julia  keeps  him  in  her  service. 
OCT.  Is  it  true  ? 

The  Empress  ? 
FLA.  (Angrily.)    No  I     Among  my  own  slaves 

Tnere  is  one  whom  I  shall  make 

Free  before  you  all. 

A  LL.  How  ?— what  ?— 

FLA.  Love  waits  on  her  perfect  virtue  i 

To  her  matchless  beauty  I  have  offered 


Given,  all  my  heart.     Free  ani  I  only 

Since  that  day  I  loved  her  !     Already  full 

Of  another  flame,  iny  soul  had  been  subject 

To  iny  senses.     Now,  not  the  madness 

Of  deceptive  passion,  nor  yet  the  snares 

Of  joys,  on  which  follows  quick  regret — 

Joys  that  are  but  lamps  to  make  more  black 

The  glooin  of  vice.     A  love  more  true, 

A  love  more  beautiful  in  glory. . .  .is  this 

Which  Noodamia  first  excited  in  my  heart  ; 

That  purest  countenance,  where  sadness 

Peeps  through  veiled  modesty,  shines  for  me 

A  star  unseen  by  all  the  outer  world. 

The  goddess  Vesta  has  come  down  to  make  hei  shrine 

Within  my  doors. 

OCT.  Is  he  turned  Nazarene  ? 

Luo,  Not  he  I     He  is  nothing  but  a — lover. 

FLA.  You 

Shall  be  my  witnesses,  for  I  will  make 
My  slave  my  wife.     Be  not  misers 
Of  a  friend's  indulgence. 

OCT.  Dost  thou  know 

Her  ?  my  friend— 

Loc.  Not  1 1 

OCT.          Nor  1 1 


SCENE   IL 

NBODAMIA  and  Slaves,  crowned  with  rout. 
FLA.  Neodaiuia  ! 

ALL,  How  beautiful  she  is. 

FLA.  Draw  near  ;  to-day  the  fea« 

Without  you,  would  not  be  :  thenceforth 

More  lasting  be  its  joya 

In  your  approval. 
NEOD.  My  lord. 

FLA.  (Introducing  her.)    The  better  part 

Of  my  not  many  friends. 
OCT.  Together  bound 

By  Mcred  vowi. 
FLA  Sacred  indeed. 


Luc.  As  those  which  now  are  made  at  your  feet. 

O(,T  With  us  the  ties  of  friendship  bind  like  oaths. 

NEO.  Friendship,  I  have  heard 

Binds  love  itself  more  closely  ;  and  so  I  think. 

To-day  I  am  assured. 
FLA.  And  Flavian 

Never  will  deny  what  she  says, 

With  such  a  pretty  speech. 
Luc.  Truly 

Happy  art  thou. 
FLA.  Neodamia,  your 

Lord  would  make  you  one  request  I 
NEO.  I  attend. 

FLA,  He  wishes  now  to  see  you  at  his  feet- 

Command  to-morrow.     Obey  to-day. 

(She  kneels  before  him  ) 

There  is  not  in  all  my  Tiberine  garden 

A  branch  so  sacred  which  can  make  thee 

Free  ;  as  now  my  noble  sword 

Thus  makes  thee  free.      (Tmichea  her  forehead  with  *ta#rd} 
Rise  up  : 

The  shame  of  slavery  is  wiped  away  : 

Henceforth  be  free. 
NBO.  Your  hand 

I  bless. 
OCT.  She  knelt  a  servant 

And  she  rises  queen. 
FLA,  Now  you  can 

Fly  from  me,  if  so  you  wish  :  bonds 

And  masters  are  no  more. 
NEOD.  Do  you  think— 

You  . .  .Flavian  ? 
FLA.  No,  indeed— I  lose  a  slave, 

I  find  a  wife. 
Luc.  Friend  !  Rome 

Will  take  exception  to  this  wedding. 
OCT.  (Aside.)  Much  more, 

The  Empress. 
FLA.  Wherefore,  all  Rome 

J  ask  as  guests  at  my  nuptials. 
NEOD.  I  expect  you 

To-morrow  at  the  altar. 
FLA  In  J  uno'e  Templ«  T 

3 


OCT.  If  our  eves  be  kept  on  you 

But  little  incense  will  the  goddess  get 
NBOD.  The  incense 

Of  this  heart  other  gods  shall  have. 
Luc.  Receive  our  farewell. 

FLA.  Friends,  adieu !          (Ex.  OCT.  and  Luc.) 

NEOD.         My  Flavian— my  heart  did  tremble 

When  I  named  the  altar. 
FLA.  My  little  girl  I 

NEOD.         It  sounded  blasphemous. 
FLA.  What  matters 

The  altar's  name  ? 
NBOD.  Oh  say  not  so, 

To-morrow  I  will  follow  thee  ;  another  day 

Thou  wilt  follow  thy  faithful  friend 

In  the  Christian's  church. 
FLA.  Your  pleasure 

Shall  be  clone. 
NEOD.  Your  sacred  word 

Origen  shall  see.     By  his  binding  worda 

We  will  be  worthily  united. 
FLA.  Hide, 

Oh  hide  this  fearful  secret, 

Darling  mine ! 

NEOD.  I  have  promised  ;  and  I  will 

FLA.  The  name  of  Christ  will  else  be  mortal  to  thee  ; 

Thy  death  is  mine.    The  hour 

la  near  when  the  Emperor  expecta  me 

For  important  business. 
NEOD.         To  instantly  return — 
FLA.  I  return 

After  a  little  to  thy  feet 
NBOD.  When  Flavian 

Leaves  me,  with  him  it  seems  that  all  my 

Happiness  takes  flight.     Pardon 

My  weakness.     Adieu.  t  fjg.  fi^ 

Happy? 

How  happy  I  am.     Why,  then,  treiubl*  ? 

And  in  my  secret  soul  feel 

Thus  agitated  ! 

I  feel 

A  need  to  be  alone,  with  my  own 

Angel.     Oh  !  let  liim  spreaa  ms  wings 

O'er  my  head  and  guard  me. — Oh.  I  wlii 


Read  with  him  in  this  holy  book. 

This  is  the  law  of  the  Lord,  the  law 

Of  a  new  age. — Incline,  ye  branches, 

Make  your  shade  more  dense,  ye  gardens 

Of  my  Flavian,  keep  peace  and  silence 

About  my  footsteps.     Thia  ia  the 

Saviour's  law.  (Retires.} 


SCENE  III. 

FAUSTINA  and  GLADIATOR. 
(During  NEODAMIA'S  speech,  they  observe  her.) 

PAU  I  am  not  mistaken.     1  see 

With  my  own  eyes.     The  girl  is  pretty. 
Perhaps  I  thought I  am  not  cruel. 

QLA.          You  ? 

FAU.  Flavian,  I  would  rescue  from  dishonor. 

He  is  detained  just  now  by  Gordian 
Through  my  device  ;  I  have  letters— I  wish 
To  act  with  mercy,  that  the  unhappy  one—- 
My feeble  rival, — may  open  her  eyes 
On  her  own  folly.     If  my  proofs 
Should  be  in  vain,  here  is  a  dagger. — Strike 
When  in  my  eyes  thou  readest  death. 

GLA.          I  obey. 

FAU.  It  is  well.     What  innocence 

She  bears  upon  her  face. 

(GLADIATOR  retires,  but  keep*  within  nght. 


SCENE  IV. 

NKODAMIA  and  same. 
NEOD  The  Lord  is  here, 

He  has  heard  my  prayer. 
FAU.          Girl  I 
NKOD.  (Hiding  roll  in  her  garments.) 

Ah,  my  God  !     Am  I  ashamed  of  Ihee  ?    Excuse  me, 

Lady.     I  am  Ne  damia,  who  are  you  ? 
FAU.  A  friend  till  now  unknowu. 

But  on  my  soul,  well  am  1  known 

To  your  husband. 


22 


What  say  you  7     As  yet 
la  Flavian  not  my  husband  :  but  will  be 
To-morrow. 
pAC  To-morrow  ?    To  youi 

Young  lover  I  will  speak,  then. 
NEOD.  Oh  1  m7 

Lord  call  him  rather. 
pAC.  This  name 

Forget  forever  ;  it  is  a  sad  one 
To  remember. 
NKOD.  Of  all  my  memories 

There  is  not  one  which  can  humiliate  me. 
FAU.  Very  happy  are  you  then. 

NEOD.  Oh,  God  !    Happy  ! 

FAU.  Only  in  hearing  you  can  I  understand 

So  beautiful  .....  Come,  I  love  you. 
NKOD.        You  love  me  1    You  ? 
FAU.  Yes,  really  ! 

I  know  not  wherefore,  but  the  love  I  bear 
To  Flavian,  on  his  beloved, 
All  falls  back.     (Dangerous  love 
For  thy  young  life.) 

NBOD.  Beloved  indeed 

IB  Flavian  in  Rome,  and  me  who  am 
His  special  joy,  perhaps  they  will  love 
For  his  sake. 

FAU.  Ah,  BO.     Hia  special  joy—  his— 

Who  would  be  but  for  you?    They  say 
He  sets  you  before  the  noblest  dame 
In  Rome;  they  say,  but  it  is  late 
To  repeat  it  ;  for  at  your  feet 
Doubtless  he  has  made  his  boast. 
NBOD.         No  I  lady  !     And  I,  when  such  a  heart 
Is  given  me  —  how  could  1  care 
F:>r  that  he  leaves  behind. 
FAU.  Oh  my  child, 

And  so  you  are  not  jealous  ;  I  see  it. 
N  KOD.        I  jealous  1  of  him  I 
FAU.  (What  triumph 

In  that  look.)    Who  could  ever 
With  a  single  word  have  subdued  that  heart, 
Rebel  against  love,  excepting  you 
So  young,  and  HO  —  beautiful  1     My  child, 
Are  you  in  your  sixteenth  year  ? 


23 


N  EOD.  In  my  sixteenth. 

FAD.  Oh,  charming  age  ; 

Ah,  adorable  youth  !     The  gods 
Have  no  belter  gift  for  a  bride — 
A  promised  bride !     Your  glorious  marriage 
Occupies  my  thought — I  speak  of  it 
All  day,  and  dream  all  night,      fn  Rome 
They  talk  of  nothing  else  ;  in  Rome 
You  are  admired  ;  in  Rome  again 
You  are  blamed  and  envied — and  pitied  I 

NEOD.          Who  should  pity  me  ? 

FAD.  Yourself.' 

NEOD.  '  '< 

FAD.  Yes  ;  yourself  ; 

Should  pity  yourself.     And  I  when  looking 

On  that  face  serene,  those  lips 

Of  rose,  those  eyes,  and  godlike  hair, 

Most  lovely  maid — much  in  my  heart's 

Depths  oppresses  me — pity. 

Flavian  is  fickle,  and  you  are 

So  tender.     Flavian  may, 

After  incense  offered,  recklessly 

Throw  down  his  idol. 

NEOD.  This  speech — 

FAU.  In  pain  all  inexperienced 

Is  your  youthful  heart  :  but  admit 

That  all  is  ready  for  this  festivity, 

And  weigh  with  me  the  value 

Of  his  conquest.    Flavian — 

I  know  him  well.     Thou  knowest  him  not  y«V 

Thou  art  his  wife — I  will  sjuide  thy  steps. 

Before,  in  this  way,  before  three  days 

Are  past,  no  more,  thou  shall  see  the  end 

Of  his  constancy.     Thou  seest  not, 

Thou  a  weak  girl,  to  whom  but  yesterday 

He  gave  his  heart,  that  thou  canst  not 

Make  him  proud — in  thy  passion. 

NEOD          Alas  !  this  humble  passion  he  holds  dear, 
He  is  jealous  of  it,  selecting  me  when 
He  might  make  his  choice  of  many. 

FAD.  You  force  me — you  yourself. — All  Rome 

Is  well  informed  of  his  perfidious  loves. 
Read  this  letter,  and  then  answer. 
8ee,  written  yesterday.     It  is  his  hand. 


24 

NEOD.         Flavian  1  oh  woo  !    Thy  sister, 

Thy  betrothed,  thy  own. 

So  deceived  I    Thou  ! 
FAD.  No  promise 

IB  held  sacred  in  his  eyes. 
NEOD.  Then  am  F 

LOB! 

FAD.  No. 

NEOD.  Desperate!    My  God, 

What  shall  1  do? 
FAD.  Fly  at  all  costs  :  it  is  needful 

To  save  yourself  from  this  shame 

An/}  contempt. 

NEOD.  Fly ! 

FAU.  Yes,  from  Rome. 

Come — 

NEOD.  Fly ! 

FAD.  At  all  cost.     I  am 

Powerful,  Neodamia,  and  I  am  your 

True,  loyal  friend. 

NEOD.  Ah.  you  give  me  terror ! 

FAD.  My  arms  are  open  to  thee.     The  heart 

In  time  gets  hardened  against  the  ilia 

We  all  must  suffer.     Fly  from  Home  I 
NEOD.        Ah,  Flavian  ! 
FAD.  Flee  from  his  yoke, 

This  air  is  mortal  to  thee.     At  every  step 

A  snare  may  catch  thee,  at  every  step 

A  barrier  hem  thee  in.     And  there  above  all 

IB  thy  rival  ?    Ah,  thou  k  no  west  nothing? 

Thy  rival— 
NEOD.  Unknown  to  me  have  ever  been 

The  ways  of  sin— 
TAD.  Thou  art  a  victim, 

A  needful  victim  to  the  pride 

Oi  the  offended  lady.     It  needs  it  must  be  ; 

That  thou  give  way  1    Oh,  foolish  girl  1    And  yet 

I  open  wide  my  arms  again. 
NKOD.  Now  pitiful, 

Now  threatening,  you  who  are  the  safeguard 

Of  my  innocence,  you  who  speak 

Of  meroy  while  bringing  me  death — 

Who  are  you  t 


FAD.  1  am  thy  fate, 

Thy  judge.     I  am  at  this  instant 
Thy  preserver  :  miserable,  tremble 
When  at  last  I  turn  thy  Empress. 

NEOD.         Great  Caesar's  mother  ? 

FAD.  And  thy  rival  I 

NEOD.        Great  Heaven  ! 

FAD.  Now  understand  to  what  dangers 

Thy  head  is  here  exposed.     Understand 
If  insulted  i  should  be  by  thy  refusal, 
What  value  in  my  eyes 
Had  the  blood  of  a  paltry  slave — 
Of  a  slave  who  would  be  hunted    o  and  fro 
And  trampled  under  foot  :  whom  none 
On  earth  would  dare  receive.     The  kings  of  the  East 
Slaughter  them  by  thousands,  and  for  sole  cause, 
That  Heaven  may  send  upon  their  eyelids 
A  quiet  sleep.     Once  again 
And  for  the  last  time  I  offer  thee 
My  friendship.     Fly— Faustina's  pity 
Lasts  but  for  a  moment — 
Fly. 

NEOD.  Flavian  must  come.     I  stay 

FAD.  Under  the  roof  of  this  unfaithful  lorer 

A  betrayer. 

NKOP.  Of  my  Lord. 

FAD  To  save  thee 

I  was  willing — Niger  thou  seest — 

GLA.  I  see  1 

FAD.  To  him  I  leave  thee — Adieu.  (&>.} 

NEOD.        (Falling  on  a  marble  seat.)    Rise.     Be  bmve, 
My  soul  1    But  not  so  easily  arises 
The  flower  crushed  and  trodden  under  foot — 
Flavian.     Flavian — Jealous 
Exceedingly  is  Heaven,  and  to  punish  me 
Has  chosen  out  my  husband.     Pain 
And  sorrow  everywhere ;  and  infamy. 

GliA.          (After  looking  around  stands  before  her,) 

Now  we  are  alone  \ 

NEOD.        And  then  T 

GIJL.  Poor  child  1    And  I  about — 

And  can  you  forgive  me  now  for  evert 

NEOD.        Forgive? 


26 

OLA.  She  knows  not.     I  have  orders 

To  slay  you,  but  your  voice. 

And  looks  and  tears, — 
NEOD.  My  heart 

Has  no  more  tears  :  take  my  blood, 

That  he  may  find  me  dead  at  his  return. 

I  am  so  wholly  wrttchod. 
OLA.  No  you  are  not. 

She  who  armed  my  hand,  chose 

To  torture  your  heart  before  my  kand 

Should  sluy  you.     I  have  the  steel, 

She  the  words. 
NEOD.  She  lied  ? 

Tell  me  she  lied. 

GLA.  Ah,  how  she  makes  me  suffer  J 

NEOD.         You  will  not  kill  me  now  ;  oh,  kill  me  not ! 

I  do  not  wish  to  die.     I  ask  your  mercy  ; 

At  your  feet. 
OLA.  No  to  my  heart  that  beats, 

Arise— 

NtiOD.  But  that  letter? 

QUA.  Long  ago 

Twaa  written — Long  ago — 
NEOD.  Then  he 

Ix>ves  me  still  ? 
OLA.  He  loves  thee  ;  this  steel 

That  hung  over  thy  head  is  the  proof. 
NEOD.         Ah,  my  delight. 
QLA.  Poor  little  one. 

NEOD.         Flavian  is  true.     Why  then  do  you 

Pity  me  ? 
OLA.  Thy  rival, 

Cruel,  great  and  powerful, 

la  in  anger  ;  Flavian  loved  her  once, 

And  from  her  blows  to  save  thy  head, 

We  need  a  Uod. 

NBOD.  My  own  God. 

OLA.  Thin  Empress  frightens  me  ; 

1  am  afrai.i  of  her.     1  too  am  a  slave. 
NEOD         Your  bonds  shall  be  broken,  and 

Flavian  shall  do  it. 
ULA.  My  bonds 

Are  precious  in  my  eyes  become.     By  crime 

1  could  liave  broken  them  ;  let  them  atuy, 


Hublimest  badge  of  honor  on  my  anna. 
Flavian — oh,  imprudent  !  close 
Your  eyes  in  danger.     His  glorious 
Alliance,  alone  can  be  our  si  i«  k 
And  buckler.     Let  us  return 
Within  his  palace. 

NEOD  May  heaven  protect  you. 

ULA.  Meanwhile  the  Gladiator  ia  your  protecveff. 


Kara  ow 


ACT  nr. 

SCENE  I. 

Temple  of  Juno.     Statues  of  Jupiter  and  Juno. 
GLADIATOR  and  FLAVIAN. 

FLA.  Faustina  gave  you  this  weapon  that  in 

Neodamia's  bosom  you  should  plunge  it 

OLA,  She  gave  it  me. 

Amid  the  marriage  preparations,  a 
Secret  dagger  was  prepared  for  that  poop  child. 
I  bring  down  on  my  head  all  Faustina's  angej  , 
But  think  not  of  me  1  my  heart,  my  hand, 
Are  at  your  disposal. 

FLA.  My  Neodamia  1    In  the 

Imminent  peril,  I  resigned  at  onc« 
All  dignities  with  which  the  cmpeiv* 
Had  invested  me.     Our  marriage  la  hastened 
By  a  day,  and  secrecy  shall  protect  the  rite, 
Faustina  will  not  dare 
Profane  these  walls.     The  priests 
Of  Juno  have  meanwhile  the  charge 
Of  my  affianced,  and  are  well  informed 
Of  my  design. 

OLA.  These  sacred  walls 

Give  no  relief  to  my  alarm.     Faustina— 

Tou  know  her  not  as  1  do,  you  have  not 

Seen  that  woman's  look 

When  flames  of  vengeance  sweep  over 

Her  fierce  soul»   Open  your  eyee 

And  keep  them  upon  your  bri£«  ' 

In  the  hour  of  dangei. 


SCENE  II. 
A  TRIBUNE,  Lictors  and  same. 

\Vhat  do  jo» 
Require,  Tribune? 


29 

TRI.  A  Thracian  slave. 

GT.A.  Here  I  am. 

TRI.  In  Rome  a  spectacle  is  preparing 

For  to-morrow,  and  you  are  expected 

In  our  amphitheatre. 
GLA  Good.     To-morrow 

I  will  come,  Tribune — art  thou  content  T 
TRI.  Not  at  all. 

GLA.  NoT 

TRI.  Thou  must  follow  now 

FLA.  His  security 

I  will  be. 

TRI.  Excuse  me. 

FLA.  What  hast  thou  to  fear  7 

TRI.  My  orders  are  precise,  I  may  not 

Disobey  them. 

GLA.  To-morrow — 

TRI.  The  prayer  is  vain. 

From  the  Roman  people's  pleasures  these  fifteen  ye*™, 

Flight  has  withdrawn  you. 
GLA.  My  flight 

Was  all  legitimate.     By  a  crime 

Faustina  broke  my  bonds. 

TRI.  It  is  of  no  use. 

FLA.  Obey. 

TRI.  Follow  me— 

GLA.  In  this  temple 

There  is  a  right  of  asylum. 
TRI.  How  ? 

GLA.  I  will  not  come ! 

At  the  foot  of  Jove  I  wait  you,  and  defy  you  I 
TRL  Right  of  asylum  the  temple  even  of  Jove 

Has  not  for  slaves. 

FLA.  This  is  the  law. 

GLA.  Oh,  Jove  !  oh,  king  of  gods  1  for  the  unhappy 

Hast  thou  then  no  altar  1    They  persecute  me 

Even  on  thy  threshold !     Before  the  Goda 

IB  equality  denied — are  not  mortals 

All  one  family  ?    O,  Jove  !  O,  Jove  I 

By  their  offences  men  accuse 

Thy  divinity.     To  misfortune 

Even  prayer  is  denied.     In  heaven,  as  on 

Earth,  I  proscribed  am.     My  chain? 

Divide  me  even  from  thee.     Infamous  laws  I 


30 

My  chains  which  rather  coffin 

To  hring  me  near  to  thee.  (Strike*  the  rtatv*  } 

God  who  art 

Already  near  to  falling,  god  of  stone, 

Who  canst  not  hear,  crush  me  if  you 

Cannot  defend  me,  make  me  free 

With  death  1 

•pRI  The  circus  waits. 

QLA>  Let's  go.     Adieu.     Better  the  lion  and  tiger 

Than  such  a  divinity.  (Eaxt.) 

Put.  The  first  essay  is  this 

Of  the  strife  that  wicked  woman  wages. 

I  know  Faustina's  love  I     The  weapon 

In  the  slave's  hand  ?  and  now  she  punish^  him 

For  his  noble  refusal.     The  slave 

Shall  be  free,  I  swear  it.— 'Tifl  she,  'tie  sh*. 


SCENE  III. 
FAUSTINA. 

FAU.  Answsr  Flavian.     In  your  own  hands 

Do  you  hold  the  issue  of  your  fate. 
Whence  comes  it  that  you  dare  lay  down 
Your  titles  and  your  offices,  despoil  yourself 
Of  all  your  dignity,  without  asking  from  me 
Or  from  my  son,  permission? 
I  speak  not  now  of  my  past  gifts, 
Nor  of  honors  at  which  Rome  has  stood  amazed. 
In  Qordian's  name  you  are  now  commanded 
By  his  mother,  that  without  delay,  you 
Do  assume  the  honors  and  the  power, 
As  Proconsul  of  Gaul.     Besides,  and  herein  I  yield 
To  reasons  of  state,  it  is  the  firm  wish 
Of  the  entire  Senate— I  still  hesitate—- 
They wish  that  from  the  illustrious  names  ot  ftom« 
I  choose  myself  a — husband,  and  that  the  weight 
Of  government,  too  heavy  for  my  son, 
Be  divided  in  two  parts.     Now  this  election, 
You  see  it  well,  is  no  light  task. 
A  Imsbnnd  for  me,  whose  help  the  Emperor 
Invokes^  must  be  great,  illustrious  and 
By  Romans  honored.     My  son 
A0  a  sacred  trust  I  place 


31 

In  his  hands  :  and  in  hie  virtue 
Lies  our  every  future  hope, 
lour  advice,  O  Flavian,  I  await : 
Speak!  I  command  you. 

FLA.  What !  you  ask 

Advice  from  mo  ?     You  '(     I  feel  the  valua 
Of  this  distinguished  honor. 

FAU.  At  what  preferment     . 

Can  Flavian  be  surprised?     And  this 
IB  not  the  greatest,  if  he  bear  in  mind 
Our  kindness  and  his  own  glory. 
It  is  not  the  greatest,  if  he  do  not  forget 
The  ties,  the  solemn  ties, 

That  bind  him  to  the  throne.     Immense  imprudence 
Might  it  be  in  him,  to  throw  aside  the  burthen 
Of  such  duty.     On  the  loftiest  heights 
Of  greatness,  we  take  but  one  step  backward 
And  fall  into  an  abyss. — Now  speak  : 
Say  what  to-day  inspires  in  you  the  love — 
Of  Rome. 

FLA,  A  double  Emperor  would  be 

The  ruin  of  the  Empire. 

FAU.  Does  Flavian  fully 

Understand  my  wishes  ?     Does  he  not 

Does  he  not  make  error  in  the  advice  requested  T 
Looked  he  BO  high  that  he  could  read  the  name 
I  destine  to  protect  the  Empire. 

FLA.  The  sovereign  power  should  be  retained 

By  Caesar  only. 

FAD.  Are  the  obstacles  such 

That  they  are  insuperable ''. — A  refusal 
With  smiles  of  derision  ?    How  cornea 
The  Empress  in  this  temple?    Why  comes 
She  to  insult  the  majesty  of  the  Immortals 
With  her  bold  brow  ?    Hear.— By  this 
Love  my  shame,  on  the  throne 
Of  the  Caesars,  in  this  love 
Thou  mayst  reign. 

FLA.  Lord  of  my  allegiance 

I  hold  your  eon. 

FAU.  If  thou  hast  listened  to  yonder  slave, 

Dost  thou  not  tremble  ?    By  what  I  dared 
To  punish  a  rival,  judge  what  I  can  do 
To  succeed.     The  pomp  and  ceremony 


32 


Thou  hast  come  here  to  arrange  for  her, 

Knowst  th  u  by  what  torches  I  could  illunyne  11  1 

Knowet  thou  not  that  this  altar  whither  thy 

Offence  drags  her  may  change  to  an  altar 

Of  sacrifice  ?    And  that  the  gods  propitiete.1 

For  this  marriage,  may  call  for  blood, 

If  I  make  them  speak  ?    I  know  vour  fame, 

I  know  how  dear  your  name  is  held 

Among  the  Praetorians,  and  I  know 

The  power  that  gives  you  victory.     Ruined 

Thou  mayst  drag  me  down  in  thy  fall. 

The  lightning  I  bring  down  may  burn 

Up  myself,  I  know  it  :  but  my  fall 

Would  be  ruin— 

Of  the  empire.     First  of  all,  my  rival 

Shall  descend  to  the  tomb.     For  one  instant 

I  shall  triumph.     Shatter  a  whole  empire 

For  a  slave  !  I    To  thee  I  bend 

From  the  height  of  the  throne.     Throw 

Away  a  crown  for  her  I  —  Forget  your 

Vows  to  me,  until  that  hour 

When,  opening  your  eyes,  you  recognize 

The  awful  consequences.     Thou  hast 

Worked  thy  own  ruin,  and  it  is  complete 

This  very  day.     Wailing  and  sorrow 

For  the  wedlock  done  in  Rome. 

Monster  go—  Ol  thy  rage  the  results 
I  will  not  await  —  For  the  first  time 
I  have  this  day  felt  fear  for  her.     We  will  fly 
Into  eille  —  To  our  lore 

Gallia  shall  be  the  safe  asyl  urn.     Who  come*  7 
(Wedding  procetrion.) 


SCENE  IV. 

NEODAMIA,  PRIEST  of  JUHO. 
Neodam'.--  < 

Before  immortal  ties 
Unite  two  lovinjf  hearts  in  one  destiny, 
Let  ua  invoke  the  gods  who  are  protectors. 


Of  hymen — great  Juno  and  Jove 

Tutelars,  with  those  from  whom  eternal 

Rome  derives  her  name.    Before  the  sacred  statue* 

Let  the  holy  fire —  ^jfroise  without,} 

What  profane 
Uproar  disturbs  the  asylum  of  the  Gods. 

FLA.  Heaven — 

PRIEST.  The  populace  in  riot  »d\ 

FLA.  Faustina ! 

NTOD.  Flavian— 


SCENE  V. 
A  TRIBUNE. 

0  priest 

Our  deities  are  insulted  :  before  these 
Very  buildings,  a  vile  Nazarenex 
Blasphemes. 

A  Christian  !    A  Christian  ! 
Tnra.         He  curses  our  feasts.     My 

Lictors  have  him,  and  bring  him  to 
Your  hands. 
PRIEST.  Hie  brutal  madness 

I  will  confound,  Tribune. 
FLA.  Finish  instantly 

The  rites  commenced. 

PBIKST-  Your  marriage 

Can  I  bless  on  outraged  altars 
Whence  Jove  still  unavenged       ks  down? 
When  with  impious  words  the  Nazaren*— 
TKEB.         Let  him  sacrifice  or  die— 

O  my  belored, 
Let  ua  retire. 


SCENE  VI. 

OKIGEN  in  chains,  crowd. 

™*  Great  priest 

We  transfer  to  thy  avenging  God 
This  sacrilegious  Christian. 

NEOD.  Origen  I 

FLA.          Let  us  go ! 

NBOD.  U  remain,  my  Flavian. 


34 

PRIEST.  They  charge 

That  to-day  you  hare  dared  to  threaten 
With  your  looks  this  temple.    Is  it  true  T 

OBI.  Would 

The  walla  fall  if  I  looked  at  them  T 

PRIEST.  Pride 

Inspires  these  sacrilegious  words. 

ORL  Pride  is  a  virtue  with  thy  creed. 

PRIEST.      Bee  there  they  bow  ;  do  thou  too  bow 
The  head. 

ORI.  Under  the  sword — it  is  ready. 

PRIKST.      Down  in  the  dust — and  worship. 

ORI.  Ah!  of  dust 

Indeed  thy  gods  are  made — I  do  not  worship  ! 

PRIBST.      Dost  thou  presume  thus  far  in  madness 

Which  10  the  vulgar  seems  austerity,  to  make  Jigb> 
Of  earth,  the  benefice  of  tbe  gods. 

OBI.  This  obpcene  fraternity  of  gods, 

Fills  your  vast  temples  with  people 

That  destroy  each  other  ;  profaned 

With  unlawful  incense,  your  Olympus 

Has  already  crumbled  under  the  enormous  mass 

Of  crime  that  oppresses  this  earth. 

PRIEST.      If  it  could  crumble,  on  the  head 

Of  your  god  it  would  crumble.     Beneath  the  foci 
Mine  shall  crush  him— The  day  begins, 
When  thy  Christians  shall  be  swept  away. 

NBOD.        Oh  Heaven. 

FLAT.         (Atide.)    Be  silent. 

OBI.  The  greatest  gain— 

For  UH  is  death.     Our  bodies 
Burn,  our  bones  disperse  and  to  your 
Executioner  give  rest, 
With  all  your  array  of  Moas.     For 
As  after  a  day  of  fatigue  the  sense 
Gives  way  to  sleep  ;  when  it  is  time  to  die 
The  Christian  ia  ready  in  a  moment. 
At  Thebes,  in  Asia,  in  the  desert,  here 
In  the  dungeon,  everywhere  the  palm 
Of  death  puts  forth  its  flowers  :  wherever 
The  seed  of  martyrdom  falls, 
It  roota,  and  though  death  strike  us 
It  raises  up  the  world.— Every  Cbrieiian 
In  this  glorious  race  pant* 


PRIEST. 
NBOD 


OBI. 

TRIB. 

PRIEST. 

NEOD. 

FLA. 

Tui. 

OBI. 


ORL 


PBIEST 


FLA. 
NBOD. 


FLA. 


I'RIBBT. 
FLA. 


Fervidly,  and  borrowing  help 

From  death,  he  runs  to  victor  j 

Let  him  be  dragged  — 

Stop  —  The  funeral  palm* 

'Which  are  made  read;  for  him.  IM  <*~m 

Also  for  his  brethren.     The  scauda: 

Of  a  bliss  without  a  risk 

They  ask  not  :  and  for  the  crown  \am><,  **t 

They  lift  their  heads. 

Oh  godfl  I 

What  s»y»t  th«»  ' 

And  makest  thou  common  cause  wuh  bin  / 
Oh  lady,  why  defend  him  ? 
I  am  a  Christian. 
Neodamia  ! 

Oh,  fearful  crime  ! 

Oh,  glorious  fjkiUi 
It  IB  well—  I  recognize  you. 

I  defend  her  ! 

To  free  her  from  thy  calumny 
My  love  surrounds  her. 

If  thou  lov'st  her 
Truly,  Roman,  leave  her 
Her  crown. 

Thy  crown 
la  death. 

What  hast  thou  done  1 
My  duty. 
Take  thy  place  at  my  side. 

Oh,  rash  one. 
At  thy  side  I  see  an  angel. 
Oh,  deluded  girl  I 

Sacred 

IB  the  Roman  citizen's  family  : 
She  is  my  wife. 

Incomplete 
Was  this  odious  marriage. 

To  the  altar* 

Of  onr  deities,  before  you,  did  she  not 
By  nerself  ?  eveu  as  I  came  here 
Thio  aay  10  thie  temple  1 

Most  true, 
She  did  BO  come. 


36 


FLA. 

NBOD. 

FLA. 


PRIKBT. 


FLA. 


NKOD. 

FLA. 


DC 


To  some  hor. 

It  is  the  fore 


FLA. 


PRIEST. 
ORL 

FLA. 
NBOD. 
FLA. 
NKOD. 


PRIEST. 
ORL 

PRIMT. 

FLA. 

PRIEST. 

FLA. 

NBOD 

FLA. 


t  hear  T 
Flavian  I 
She  is  prey 
3,  evil  influence,  ' 
ipellfl. 

He  says  the  iruux. 
mee  to  the  goo*— 


0  maiden 
Be  free. 

Thou  wilt  not  quit 
My  bosom  to  embrace  death  :— 
Thou  lo~«  *** 

Flavian  » 

ijove  me  —  O  potent 

Cry.     How  sublime  love  makes  the  soul  I 
A  word  from  thy  lips,  one  only, 
Conquers  them  all.     Ah  1  pronounce  it,  dear, 
Pronounce  it.     Let  our  marriage  be  complete— 
Sacrifice  —  for  me,  only  for  me. 

Great  God, 
What  ecatacy  I 

Of  love  !  There  is  the  altar 
Of  our  marriage  —  come,  I  guide  thy  heart. 
Come,  my  hand  leads  thee. 

She  advances, 

Drawn  to  the  altar  by  her  beloved  spouse. 
Her  heavenly  spouse,  to  the  glorious  altar 
Of  martyrdom  calls  her  ! 

Come,  oh  come  1 

1  love  thee—  where  am  I  ? 

Before  the  altar. 
Before  the  altar  !  oh  horror  !  I  extinguish 

(Overturns  the  incente  tripod.} 
The  incense  ;  I  will  meet  thee  in  Heaven, 

Sacrilege. 

Death  and  the  drcua  for  'he  Christian*  I 

The  circus  when  the  martyr  falls 

Is  the  road  to  Heaven.     Let  her  follow  me. 

Lictonj  .'- 

Thy  fury— 

The  circus  awaits  them. 
Without  arms?    Over  my  body  then— 
Adieu, 
Never!  never! 


37 


PBIEBT.  Separate  them. 

FLA  Monster ! 

NEOP          I!  ;loat  a  husband. 
9m.  God  will  restore  U»e» 

f  kiL  redeemed  m  Heaven. 


ACT  IV. 

7*j  AmpMlJuntre.    The  Imperial  Balcony.    The  Priest**  plow. 
FAUSTINA,  the  PRIEST  OF  JUNO,  GLADIATOK,  TRIBUNE.  PKOPUB. 
TRIB.         The  priest  is  about  to  apeak. 
FAU.  There  is  no  doubt 

Of  my  revenge. 
TRIB.  Into  the  arena 

The  daring  Christian  will  be  brought. 

Flavian  is  arrested. 
FAU.  I  would  have  it  so — 

I  believe  in  the  gods  of  Rome.    They  understand 

My  wishes.  (Enter  Gladiator.) 

QT.A,  Let  the  lions  loose 

We  shall  find  each  other  of  one  mind. 

They  are  what  they  seem— let  them 

Gome  on.     So  great  an  arena, 

Romans,  pleases  the  gladiator. 

One  can  fall  here  stretched  at  full  length. 

You  have  been  witness  01  my  glory 

And  my  wounds.     My  body 

Has  taken  its  twenty  bites,  passing 

From  tiger  to  tiger.    And  now  I  bring  to  you  again, 

After  long  labors,  oh  my  dear  Romans, 

Whatever  flesh  their  ferocious  teeth 

Have  left  upon  my  bones.     These  fifteen  years 

My  naLure  has  not  changed  :  they  can 

Find  on  my  arms  their  old 

Accustomed  food.     Let  them  come,  I  wait  them, 

And  shal;  be  again  triumphant. . . .  .Because  I  wiah 

To  live  again,  once  more  to  see  my  child. 
PRIMT.      Heaven  commands,  and  in  its  name  1  speak. 

The  daring  Christians  have  violated 

Juno's  temple.    The  gods  are  wroth. 

From  star  to  star  a  cloud  of  displeasure 

Veils  Olympus  :  and  upon  us  now  impends 

A  tempest  of  misfortune.    In  vain 

The  bodies  of  the  sacrifice  are  openeo., 

Or  smoking  entrails  studied 


39 

With  a  fearfu?  -ook.    Juno  is  deaf 

To  the  appeal  of  her  priests,  and  answers  not. 

Her  profaned  altars  to  the  care 

Of  Nemesis  are  left,  until  the  offence 

Be  atoned  by  Christian  blood.    The  pines 

Are  placed  under  the  shadow  of  celestial  auspices— 

To  the  people  games,  and  sacrifices  to  the  Gods 

Are  given.     Between  them  and  Christ.  O  Romans, 

Kages  a  mortal  strife.     Wherefore  we  immolate 

A  Christian  now,  and  thereby  propitiate  late. 

Let  the  gladiator  strike,  and  with  that  biood. 

The  favor  of  the  Gods,  now 

By  impiety  turned  aside, 

Will  fall  again  on  earth. 

PEOPLE.  Death 

To  the  Nazarenea ! 

GLA.  iiomans,  I  shall  obey.    The  head 

I  bow  to  the  decree  of  the  Immortals.     Thej 
Are  insulted  by  the  audacious  Christian  crowd. 
The  slave's  hand  shall  avenge 
The  holy  gods,  and  I  will  punish 

The  great  rebel  crime.     Still 1  must  say, 

I  like  to  fight  with  lions,  and  would 
Much  prefer  it. 


SCENE  IV. 

NEODAMTA  is  brought  on  by  slaves.    The  GLADIATOR  seiect.fi  ai»  an 
NEOD.  To  thee,  O  Lord, 

Thy  handmaid  brings  a  docile  heart. 

This  soil  is  fruitful  when  it  is  watered 

With  our  blood,  and  may  these  last  battles 

Cause  new  germs  of  faith  to  spring  for  every  looker  on. 
GLA.          A  woman's  voice This  calls 

For  all  my  courage Ready  I  was 

indeed  for  different  work. 

What!  Neodamiaf 

Te  gods  I    And  by  my  hands  I     Art  tbou 

Truly  Christian  T 

NFOD.  1  am  a  martyr. 

OLA.  And  Flavian  7 


In  prison.    Now  lake 

My  life,  and  God  will  take  my  pool. 
GLA.  Romans,  once  before  I  ref  ustxl 

To  slay  this  maiden   ...Faustin* 

Knows  it  well. 
PRIEST.  The  people  are  tired 

Of  delay. 
GLA  When  we  wish  to  speak 

The  people  will  listen.     Thtir  grace  1  M 

I  know  her  ;  she  is  not  a  Christian. 
NEOD.        I  am. 
GLA.  My  voice  drowns  thine  I 

Spare  this  victim,  and  lor  her 

Offer  up  the  executioner. 
PRIBST.  Let  each 

Keep  his  position. 
NKOD.  Mine  is  best 

Of  all. 
GLA.  For  ten,  for  twenty  years 

In  your  amphitheatre  and  against  all 

Comers,  one  against  all,  I  swear 

To  fight,  against  all — every  day — 

You  only  save  her — save  her. 
FAU.  What,  means 

This  lengthy  talk  ? 
GLA.  By  the  Gods  1 

I  call  upon  you,  Romans,  answer. 
TRIB.  In  the  Circus 

She  most  fall 
t  AU.  Give  her  to  the  Lions 

If  the  slave  persists. 
GLA.  Noll  shall  not  give 

Such  joy  to  Faustina.     Come  child, 

Come  to  death. 
NBOD.  To  life. 

'<LA.  Bow  down  I 

The  blow  will  be  more  sure. 

NKOD.  (Kneeling.)  O  Lord, 

Deign  to  accept  me,  and  tram  1113-  boson 
Take  every  t nought  that  is  not  divine. 

QLA.  This  cuts  me  to  the  soul.     Come  now, 

Courage  my  hand — I  must  remove 
This  veil.    (Touclwt  /ter  necK., 


NEOD  Is  there  not  room 

For  thy  sword  t 

Qi^-  No ;  I  shall  hurt  thee 

Too  much. 

NEOD.  Pity. 

QLA-  I  must  uncover  your  shoulders, 

Excuse  mo.    (Removes  the  vett.)    Oh  Heaven , 

FA^-  8 1 10  is  beautiful ;  even 

The  slave  is  struck  by  her. 

GLA.  Here,  here  is  a  scar- 

It  is  from  a  weapon,  O  gods  I 

NEOD.  Death,  death. 

GLA.  How  willing  she  is— Where  did  you  get  that 

Dagger  cut  on  your  back— 

(She  makes  sign  of  ignorant^.] 
Tour  father's  name, 

His  name? 

NHOD-  I  never  knew  it. 

GLA.          Never? 
NEOD.  No — I  was  a  slave  in  Egypt ; 

1  have  no  kindred. 

QLA-  regod»,yegods! 

PRIEST.     Strike,  strike. 

GLA-  I  strike  her— My  own  daughter 

NEOD.          I. 

FAU.  Hig  daughter  ? 

GLA-  Mine— my  daughter— Open  O  earth  I 

Must  I  kill  my  daughter  ?    O  Heavens 

Fall  on  me— 

NEOD.  My  father  1 

GLA-  Daughter— Stolen 

From  my  love  ;  felicity  I  have  so 

Craved  ,  lost— a  hundred  times 

I  have  claimed  you  from  these  mutilated  gods. 

In  palaces  destroyed.,  in  tn«  o:ist 

Of  temples  burned  ,  m/ten  unwTn.e^ 

From  thy  mother's  womb  ;— and  that  the 

Father's  knife — her  own  father— My  treasure  ! 

Oh  I  people,  ye  would  not  have  this 

Horrid  crime  completed— This  is  my  daughter ! 
PniEST.     A  slave  has  no  children. 
QL*  Hal    It  is  too  much  I 

I  am  armed  with  that  eternal  right 

W^hich  thou  denies! ,  1  belong  to  you  'tis  true  : 

Sly  flesh  belongs  to  your  tigers. 


42 

That  is  true    uui  the  red  Lot  iron 
In  your  lictors'  band,  has  eaten 
Into  my  face,  it  has  not  burned  my 
I  am  her  father. 

PEOPLE.  No  !  no  ! 

QL^  Is  there  no  father 

Here  among  ye  ?  Daughter,  perhaps 
They  would  hear  thee— Ask  pardon 
With  thy  own  sweet  voice. 

NEOD.  Heaven! 

OLA.  Silence  !  bo  still !— Pity,  pardon,  Romans ! 

The  gods  make  you  ever  greater 
Stronger  and  more  happy — They  are  of  marble. 
Now  Faustina  thou  knowest  what  fate 
IB  bound  in  hers — Tliou  hast  a  son. 

FAO.         (Rises.)  Silence  I 

(Fatal  Oracle— And  thus  I  miss 
My  vengeance— My  rival— My  son.) 
Tour  indulgence— Romans.    This  wretched 
Slave  passes  his  own  daughter  under 
The  fatal  steel,  and  every  mother 
Joins  me  in  asking  grace. 

PRIEST.  In  vain. 

PEOPLE.     No  1  no ! 

TRIB.  Ton  must  yield  to  the  tempest. 

FAU.  Faustina  yield  ? 

PRIEST.  The  sovereign  people 

In  the  Circus  reigns  sole.    New  and  unexpected 
Faustina  is  thy  clemency  ;  and  against  her 
Thou  hast  thyself  inflamed  me  only  this  day. 
She  is  devoted  to  the  gods. 

QLA.  No — Brave  people 

Triumphant  people— Your  gods 
Require  not  my  daughter's  blood. 
This  sentence  in  your  mouths  come* 
From  the  Infernals  ;  it  is  unjust,  murderous, 
Frightful— Hear  ye  !— Once  in  tb*s 
Arena,  sprang  roaring 
From  the  dens  a  !ion  <>n  Androcles  , 
Androcles  had  saved  th  s  very  lion'«  rle 
In  the  desert.     The   ion 
Knew  him,  and  licked  his  feet, 
aiid  yon  did — what  T     You  save<l  them  both— 


Weeping  with  pity — sla .  a  and  lion  ; 

Both  were  pardoned — now  more  cruel 

Would  you  be  again-t  a  daughter  and  a  father  ! 
NEOD.        There  is  no  more  hope  I 
FAU.  Call  the  Lictorsl 

PniK8T.      To  stop  this  death,  is  the  same 

As  to  overthrow  our  altars,  crime  for  which 

This  woman  ought  to  fall.     Still,  while  punishing 

Her  sacrilege,  we  may  yet  accordance 

Make  between  the  rights  of  heaven  and  of  nature. 

She  is  thy  daughter  ?    Thus,  then,  Rome  gives 

Thee  leave  to  go,  and  by  another  hand 

She  shall  be  offered  up. 
FAU.  Ye  gods ! 

TKIB.  Faustina  1 

PEOPLE.     Let  her  die  I 
NKOD.  Hast  thou  not  heard  ?    On  all  sides 

They  will  have  me  slain. 
GLA.  Come  down  into  the  arena  I 

Come  down  and  strike  her.    Do  yon  want 

My  blood  ?    Take  it.     To  carry  her  off 

Let  your  gladiators  come  ! 

Your  leopards,  whose  thirst 

You  slake  with  blood,  to  devour  her ! 

Let  them  all  come — over  a  lather's  heart. 

(Menace*  Oit  people.) 
FAU.  People,  just  victim  to  your  anger 

Is  this  woman  ;  but  one  day's  grace 

I  will  that  she  shall  have.     Lictora, 

Take  her  back  to  prison — 

To-morrow  she  shall  die! 
PRIEST.  Thy  word  is  passed, 

Bethink  thee  on  the  gods  I 
FAU.  I  do. 

PuiEST.  Faustina,  bethink  the' 

Of  the  Roman  people. 
FAU.  (Aside.)    (The  coming  night 

Will  favr>r  my  intent !) 

GLA,  My  daughter  1 

FAU.  People,  till  to-morrow  ! 

PEOPLE.  To-morrow  I 


END  OF  ACT  IV. 


ACT    V. 

SCENE  L 

A  prixm.—Oreat  brorute  doort.—TorMigM. 
NKODAMIA  in  the  Martyr's  Robe. 

Alone  1  alone  I    This  cruel 

Kindness  should  not  at  least  have 

Separated  child  from  father.    This  one  day 

Given  to  pity,  we  could  have  mingled 

Our  tears,  and  even  have  taken 

Share  each  in  others'  grief.     Oh,  mournful 

Kindness.    Deceitful  indulgence  I 

Flavian  I  Flavian  1    Ah,  that  name 

Is  blasphemy  and  makes  the  hair  rise  op  I 

From  thee,  far  from  tb.ee, 

The  Lord  gives  me  a  place !    O,  Flavian — 

Oh,  my  lost  love  I 

My  friend,  Heaven's 

Reward  in  joy  thou  would'st  have  been, 

Ead'st  thou  been  turned  by  the  spirit's  breath. 

Yesterday,  at  thy  side,  I  walked  trembling 

Under  the  veil  of  Hymen, 

And  the  heaving  zone, 

And  had  an  altar  ; 

Such  happiness  seldom  to  the  world  appear*. 

Tue  martyr's  vestments  are  less  glorious, 

But  in  tne  change  there  is  prepared 

A  heavenly  crown  whose  light  eternal 

uomea  from  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord 


SCENE    IL 
FAUSTINA  and  same. 
FAU.  Come  fortb  I  we  must  escape. 

NEOD  You  heret 

FAU  Neodamia, 

fon  whom  love  hath  made  my  cruelest 
Enemy  ;  my  rival.     Hear  me  ! 


45 

But  a  few  moments  now  remain,  one  hoar, 
No  more.     The  people  murmur, 
Full  of  suspicion,  and  demand 
Your  life. 

NBO.  And  what  tie  can 

Unite  Caesar  to  me,  the  daughter  of  a  si  are, 
In  this  clay  of  terror  ?     What  matter? 
My  life  or  death  to  Qordian  ? 

FAU.  From  thy  mother  thou  wast  an  untimely 

Birth,  and  a  just  heaven  to 
Punish  me  made  its  decree,  that  for 
My  son  and  thee  there  was  one  fortuna, 
And  for  his  life  and  thine  should  be 
The  limit  equal.    The  immortal  gods  themselves*. 
Oh,  blow  most  cruel  I  still  fixed 
To  give  me  pain,  threw  into  your  arms 
That  only  mortal,  who  held  mastery 
O'er  my  heart ;  they  have  torn  me  to  pieces, 
Turned  my  heart  to  ashes,  for  now 
I  am  reduced  to  beg-,  to  supplicate  you, 
On  my  knees ;  and  of  all  the  pride, 
The  honor,  the  incense,  wherewith  the  adored 
Of  Rome  was  girt,  nothing  remains 
But  these  hitter  tears,  and  the  rack 
Of  these  maternal  terrors :  now  I  am  nothing, 
Nothing  but  a  mother.— Ah,  these  words. 
Do  they  not  reach  your  heart  ? 

NEC.  I  had  no  mother. 

FAU.  Gods  I    Follow  my  steps. 

NBO.  No,  the  anger 

Which  armed  you  against  her,  may  arm  you 
Now  against  me,  so  that  J  may  prove  unfaithful 
To  the  love  of  my  God,  alone,  supreme, 
The  only  God  I  have. 

FAV.  And  Flavian 

Do  you  not  worship  ? 

NEO.  I  love  him. 

FAU  Well  then. 

NEO.  I  must 

Die. 

FAD.  Horrid  thought!     Die! 

Thou  die  I    And  my  son !     It  cann;* 
Fly,  Fly !    I  myself  have  Flavian 
Released,  he  is  waiting 


46 

To  carry  you  off  Iroin  all  the  world.    He 
Desires  none  but  thee.     Slave,  fonow  m«> 
Hurry,  come.     Too  well  doth  Faustiuti  swiw 
The  value  of  thy  flight.—  Tis  hel 


SCENE  IIL 
FLAVIAN  and  same 
LA.  My  Neodamia  I  iny  joy  ! 

KO.  You  here  T 

And  did  you  come  a^ain  to  see  mn? 

To  see  me  thus  ? 
FLA.  The  people  are 

In  revolt.     Let  us  fly — time  presses— 

Let  my  love  defend  thee. 
NEO  Oh,  tenderness! 

Grievous!  terrible  1 
Put  Faustina  has  loosed 

Thy  chains. 
NiO.  But  I  retain  them. 

Farewell.    I  remain  to  die.    God  commar  ds, 

And  I  have  vowed. 

PAH.  Thou  hast  vowed! 

FLA.  Ah.  Neodamia, 

Grief  misleads  thee.     What  God  is  he, 

If  his  law  be  such, 

That  it  requires  us  to  abandon 

Every  joy  on  earth  T    Ah,  come,  come! 
NEO.          Oh  God  I  and  do  you  conspire  together 

To  my  ruin  ? 

FLA.  To  thy  safety. 

FAU.  He  is  thy  husband. 

Dost  thou  bear?    Thy  upouso.     And  Faustina 

Now  mnkos  fast  your  union  ;  she  who 

Erewhile  stood  between  and  separated  you, 

Now  binds  as  by  an  irrefragable  knot. 

With  her  powerful  hand.    Ah  !  let  this 

Fateful  prodigy  persuade— I  believe  not  in  the  Deitlne 

Bnt  I  believe  in  the  infernal  oracle. 
NEO.  My  father  it  in  prison. 

FAU.  He  shall 

Be  released. 

NKO.  This  is  too  much  uappiaes*— 

God  will  pardon  me. 


*»w  Cover  thy  martyr-i 

Vestments  with  this  veil. 
NEOD.         Quick,  quick. 
FLA,  Now  to  fly— who  comet  ? 

SCENE  IV. 
TKIBUNE  and  same. 
TBIB.  The  passage 

Is  closed  by  the  crowd.    They  are  breaking 

Into  the  prison,  their  leader 

The  merciless  priest.    Do  not  go 

Until  the  Lictors  have  dispersed  thia 

Maddened  mob. 
FLA.  In  a  few  instants 

My  arm  shall  disperse  them. 
FAU.  For  the  life 

Of  this  girl,  your  love  is  a  pledge. 
NEOD.        Flavian,  Flavian  ! 
FLA.  Keep  calm.    My  sword 

Has  never  failed. 
FAU.  Close  those  gates 

Of  bronze ! 
FLA.  I  return  quickly : 

Little  fear  of  the  sovereign  people 

Have  our  Lictors.     At  the  clash  of  arms 

Their  power  falls.  (Exit  Ffc.  and  Tnb.\ 

FAU.  The  entrance  is  closed. 

NEOD.         He  will  save  me  !     It  is  not  the 

People's  fury,  'tis  God  who  summons  me  I 
FAU.  No,  no!  banish  fear;  if  Flavian 

Fights,  it  is  for  thee  ;  over  all  the  mighty  gods, 

He  would  be  victor.    This  moment 

Thy  marriage  is  accomplished.    Be  generous  1 

Let  my  son  be  safe,  and  at  every  cost 

Thou  shalt  be  happy.  (Crash  of  fatting  matonry.} 

NBOD.        Do  you  hear  ? 
FA.U.  A  wall  is  falling  1 

N  BOD.        Great  heaven  1 


QLA 


SCENE    V. 

The  GLADIATOR  springs  in  from  the  breach, 
I  am  here  I 


48 

XBO.  Now  i  can  fly  from  death. 

If  I  fly  with  thee  ! 
GIJL.  Curses  I 

It  is  a  short-lived  joy !     From  thy  face 

Strip  off  that  vail.     It  is  useless, 

My  daughter — useless — my  darling  child  I 
NBOD.        Why? 

FAU.  Our  flight  is  at  hand. 

GLA.  What  makes 

It  safe  ? 

FAD.  1  myself. 

GLA.  Too  late !    Too  late  I 

The  prisons  are  forced,  the  Lictors' 

Eagles  have  gone  down,  and 

The  revolt  succeeds  everywhere.    I,  myself  MW 

The  howling  torrent  of  the  furious 

Populace  shrieking 

For  the  Christian  victim  :  the  priest 

With  brutal  fury  heads  them. 
FAD.  Oh,  terror  1 

OLA.  My  prison,  child,  is  near  to  thine ; 

The  grating  that  permitted  light 

To  fall  upon  my  fetters,  I  tore  out, 

And  creeping  through,  I  fell — 

And  found  myself  face  to  face 

With  a  tiger;  1  fought  him-  this  dagger 

Killed  him — I  was  almost  smothered 

In  his  blood.    The  hole 

Bi-gun  in  the  wall  by  the  beast't 

Claws,  I  enlarged  enough 

To  pass  me  through  ; 

And  In  this  second  cell  I  find  myself. 

But  what's  the  use  1    What  can  I  do, 

Save  die  with  thee? 

FAU.  And  my  Tribune ! 

GLA.  Dead, 

Before  me  t 
FAU.  My  soldiers,  Lictort, 

Slaves. 

GLA.  What  good  are  they  with  the  rabbi* 

Roaring  at  the  doors,  and  all  the  passages 

In  their  power? 
FAU.  But  Flavian  fights  : 

He  can  defend  her.     Then  la 

My  palace 


40 


GLA.  Tliy  palace  is  ashes— 

FAU  IToavens  I 

GLA.  The  revolt  readied  there  I 

The  flames  went  up,  I  saw  them. 
FAU.  t  Ye  gods  t 

And  my  son !— Let  us  run— 
GLA.  Thy  eyes,  O,  Faustina^ 

Are  open  now  ;  tlie  flames  of  thy  palace 

Have  lighted  up  the  prison. 
FAU.  This  door  ? 

GLA.  Is  shut  I 

FAU.  Shut  1    Oh  yes  1  but  this— 

GLA.  Tigers  and  lions, 

For  thy  games  ! 

FAU.  And  this? 

GLA.  Shut  too. 

FAU.  Oh,  vain  and  impotent  gods  ! 

NEOD  Ah,  thou  hast  driven  Jesus  away. 

GLA.  Daughter,  to  my  heart.     No  one  hast  thou  who 

Loves  thee  as  I  do. 

NEOD  Then  it  is  time  to  die. 

GLA.  Tis  the  only  blessing  left. 

Oh,  daughter,  mine,  thy  slave  father's  love 

Is  nothing  worth.     It  is  but  an  added  blight 

To  thy  young  life.    Thou  art  proscribed, 

Not  debased. 
NEOD.  Thy  tetters 

Make  thee  dearer  to  my  love. 
GLA.  So— 

I  love  thee — and  thou?    Happiness  I  never 

Hoped.    The  one  single  joy 

That  has  come  to  thy  father  since  the  day 

Thy  mother  died  I 
FAU.  (Furiously.)    And  these  gates 

Of  bronze,  oh,  rage  1     Why  can  they  not  be  opened 
NEOD         She  is  not  a  Christian.     How  she  must  suffer. 
FAU.  What  horrid  danger  waits 

Upon  my  son  ? 
GLA.  Thy  son,  sayest  thou  ? 

And  my  daughter  ?    Hast  thou  forgotten 

That  she  is  of  thy  family,  and  that  both 

Have  one  fate,  one  life — 

And  one  death  ?     What  did'st  thou 


50 


Seek  ?    Useless  wickedness, 

Thy  Cseaar's  BOH!  in  a  poor  slave's  bosom  I 

FATJ.  How  bitter 

Now  is  the  memory  of  that  offence. 

QLA,  Ah!  look 

For  an  instant  with  a  mother's  eye 
Upon  my  daughter—  young—  beautiful, 
Only  sixteen  I 

pAD.  Horrible  !  woe,  woe  I 

GlA.          Her  martyr  vesture  lies  heavy 

On  the  Emperor.     Vile  and  stained 

By  his  mother's  wickedness  ;  on  the  shoulders 

Of  thy  son  the  purple  will  not  last 

Longer  than  thU  black  veil- 

Caesar  already  I  - 

FAU.  Mercy  1    Every  word  of  thin* 

Is  as  a  dagger  thrust  1    Mercy  1 

QUA.  Hast  thou 

Ever  shown  mercy  1    No  1    Cursed 
Be  Caesar  and  the  Crown.    In  my  rage 
I  curse  that  son 

That  thou  shalt  never  see  ;  I  curse 
That  son  imperial,  over  whom 
Weighs  that  solemn  anathema  which 
Would  be  too  awful  for  a  slave  ! 
This  diadem  on  my  daughter's  front 
Would  be  the  circlet  of  death. 

NBOD.  Nay,  a  crown 

Of  light.    Oh,  cease,  my  father, 
To  profane  the  holy  palm  prepared 
By  the  Lord  for  me.    Thy  cruel  words 
Will  but  recoil  on  thee. 

OLA.  What  import  to  m«  T 

My  days- 

NEOD.  On  me  they  will  recoil. 

(Outside.)    (Death  !) 

Qi,A,  No  more  they  call  the  father, 

No  more  the  athlete  8  mighty  arm.     Now  they 

Want  my  soul  :  to  throw  my  daughter 

To  the  ravenous  tigers.    Thy  garments 

Torn  to  pieces,  will  be  Bleeped  in  blood  ; 

And  ere  thou  shalt  taste  death, 

Thou  wilt  have  passed  through  infamy 


51 


NEOD.  Oh,  God!    Death- 

Death  first !     Thou  wilt  not  see  it — 
OLA.  No.no! 

I  love  thee  too  much.    Thou  shalt  see  a  proof— 
Virginius  did  it  once  I     My  courage, 
Perhaps,  is  less  than  his.     What  greater 
Proof  of  love— my  heart  is  torn 
With  rage.     Oh,  daughter,  mine,  keep  calm, 
Utter  no  cry  of  horror  ;  let  not  a  word 
Of  gr.ef  escape,  nor  move  an  eye 
Nor  lip,  lest  I  should  hear  ;  ah,  nothing- 
Nothing  for  pity's  sake,  my  very  heart  is  closed, 

(Cry  without.)    (Deata  to  Cwsar.) 
FAU.     ,     To  Caesar ! 
OLA.  Faustina. 

Death  to  Caesar  ?    Dost  tiiou  hear  ? 
*'AU.  My  son. 

GLA.  The  people  want  him !    For  once 

They  are  just.     Dost  thou  hear 
And  not  turn  pale?    The  oracle  foreknew; 
It  is  going  to  be  fulfilled. 
NEOD.  Hide  me 

In  thy  arms,  my  father. 

0  LA.  My  love  is  frightened  1 

NEOD.        Will  they  drag  me  thence? 
GLA.  Yes  ;  but  not  alive.     Oh,  excess 

Of  tenderness. — Oh  fury.    Ever  art  thou 
The  gladiator's  refuge— thou  only— and  always 
A  despairing  fury. 
NEOD,  Will  they  come  to 

Disgrace  thy  daughter?    God  will  not  have  me 
Then  in  his  family.     Is  that  so,  my  father  ? 
GUL  If  God  protects  thee,  let  him  take  my  place 

And  save  thee.     A  miracle.  (Kneel».) 

(Cries  without.)   (To  the  lie 
The  Sacreligious.) 
GLA.  Arise!    I  alone 

Defend  thee,  I  alone.     I  cannot  strike— 
Don't  look  at  me. 
FAUD.  They  come.    I  hear 

Their  footsteps.    What  to  do  ? 
NEO.  Save  me,  my  father. 

GLA.  Save  thee  from  what  1 


NEOD  From  their  vengeance — 

This  is  pity.     In  face  of  dishonor 

Death  is  not  seen. 
GLA.  Then  God 

Leaves  me  judge  of  thy  fate. 
NEOD.  Ah,  my  father!' 

Here,  thou  art  his  image. 
GLA.  So — so — 

I  have  my  steel.    Fear  not,  thou  canst  not 

Be  torn  from  my  heart. 
NEOD.  Forgive, 

Forgive  him,  Oh,  my  God  1 

GLA.  (Dagger  in  hand.)    My  daughter,  embrace  me  ! 

FAU.  See,  Bee. — Is  liope  quite  gone  .'—Heaven, 

What  dost  thou  ? 
GLA.  Thus  killing  my  daughter,  I  prove 

Myself  her  father.    Let  her  be  free.  (Strike*  her.) 

FAU.  Celestial  gods. 

NKOD        I  die. 

FAU.  Thy  own  daughter  ? 

GLA.  And  thine.— Let  the 

People  come,  and  take  her.  (Doort  broken  open.) 


LAST  SCENE. 
FLAVIAN,  People. 

FAU.  Flavian ; 

Cesar,  my  son  T 
FLA.  Dead,  before 

This  door — wounded — covered  with  blood  1 
FAU.  Dead? 

FI.A.  Thy  daughter  ? 

GLA.  Dead! 

Yes,  by  my  hand ;  oh,  vile,  infamous  rabble  1 
PEOPLK.  The  Gladiator! 

FAU.  My  son  ! 

FLA.  Neodamia  I 

NEOD.        (Open*  her  eyes.) 

Ah,  thy  hand  upon  my  heart.     Thou  art — 

I  see  thee  really  t    Reunited  by 

God  Himself. 
FLA.  And  with  thee  I  adore  Him. 


53 

NEO.  One  only  God— thy  soul—  (Dies.} 

FLA.  She  is  dead— ye  gods !  (Knedt.} 

GLA.  I  olfer  up  her  blood, 

Her  martyrdom,  and  my  own  martyrdom,  to  tho 

Poor  and  naked  god.    And  may  this  steel 

Recall  to  mind  what  atrocious  crime 

Has  frightened  these  our  times ;  and  flashing 

Lightnings  in  the  eyes  of  tyrants,  may  it  say 

To  the  new  age — "  Ended  is  the  reign 

Of  brutal  force  1    There  is  no  slave  in  all  the  world  1* 


TELE  END. 


ROOSEVELT 

Portable  *  Pipe  *  Organ. 


We  have  succeeded,  after  many  years  of  study  and  experiment,  in 
producing  a  portable  GENUINE  PIPE  ORGAN,  which  fills  the 
pla.ce  between  the  best  reed  onran  and  the  church  (pipe)  orj 

As  the  various  pipes  are  secured  in  their  places,  the  instrument 
requires  no  setting  up,  but  is  at  once  ready  for  use  when  unpacked. 

It  is  just  what  has  lon<r  been  needed  for  small  Churches,  Chapels. 
L<>di>vs,  Sundav  Schools  and  the  Parlor. 


HILBORNE    L.   ROOSEVELT, 

IKACTI  rRKROKCl  n  rRCH  OK'(  >,VNS 
145,    147,    149  West   1  Sth   Street, 
XK\V     YORK. 


THE 


CHICKERING 

PIANO 


1    other     Pianos    of     American     manufacture    in 

its    various    patented    improvements.     The    new    designs    in 

CHICKERING  GRANDS,  assuring  lar-er  results  in   power  and 

purity,  length  and  sweetness  of  tone,  leave  nothing 

red.       The  Chickering*  SQUARE  PIANOS    in  a]l   the 

v  unrivaled.      The  new  CHICKERING  UPRIGHT 

he   justly  celebrated    patented    repeating    action 

and   patent  desk. 


CHICKERING  &  SONS, 


Piano  Warerooms, 


ISO   Fifth   Avenue,    N.   Y. 


\\EUNIVER% 


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